Othello Acts IV-V

In Act IV of Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago's wife Emilia  has begun a shift in her character. Earlier in the story, she was shy, inward, and unquestioning. She accepted the abuse from Iago and did nothing to stop him or seek help from her friends. She did everything that he demanded of her, especially taking the handkerchief. By the end of Act IV, Emilia shifts into a more outspoken character. Throughout scene three, she converses with Desdemona about what has happened, and the subject of men. Emilia begins to voice her opinion and vents her frustration with men: "Let Husbands know/ Their wives have sense like them." (IV.iii.89-90). This dynamic shift in character is surprising, since Emilia has played a very minor role throughout the play. I believe that she is the flaw in Iago's plan. He would never suspect that his obedient wife would become dynamic.